Selected Teachings onEvery Temple Built Lessens
the Power of Satan on the Earth

George Q. Cannon (First Presidency)

Every foundation stone that is laid for a Temple, and every Temple completed … lessens the power of Satan on the earth, and increases the power of God and Godliness. (“The Logan Temple,” Millennial Star, Nov. 12, 1877, 743)

John A. Widtsoe (Quorum of the Twelve)

There never yet has been a time in the history of the world when temple work has increased without a corresponding increase in the opposition to it. Some three or four years after the pioneers came to this valley, President Brigham Young said it was time to begin the building of a temple; and some of the old timers here will probably remember that thousands of the Saints dreaded the command, because they said, “Just as soon as we lay the cornerstone of a temple, all hell will be turned loose upon us and we will be driven out of the valleys.” President Young thought that was true, but that they also would have, if temple work were undertaken, a corresponding increase in power to overcome all evil. Men grow mighty under the results of temple service; women grow strong under it; the community increases in power; until the devil has less influence than he ever had before. The opposition to truth is relatively smaller if the people are engaged actively in the ordinances of the temple. (The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Vol. XII, 1921, 49-64)